How long is the NHS wait for echocardiogram in the UK?

The current median NHS wait for echocardiogram (within the Cardiology specialty) in England is approximately 13 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 35 weeks. Waits vary significantly by NHS trust — see the city breakdowns below for local figures.

How much does private echocardiogram cost in the UK?

Private echocardiogram in the UK typically costs £250–£600, with a typical price around £395. Prices vary by hospital group, surgeon experience, and what's included (anaesthesia, follow-ups, physiotherapy). Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, Circle Health and BMI Healthcare are the main private hospital groups offering this procedure.

Can I switch from NHS to private for echocardiogram?

Yes. You can self-fund or use private health insurance to access echocardiogram privately while remaining on the NHS waiting list. Many patients do this to avoid the long wait. Some private hospitals offer consultation packages where you can be assessed within days. You will not lose your NHS place by getting a private opinion or treatment.

Which cities have the shortest NHS waits for echocardiogram?

Based on the latest NHS England RTT data, the UK cities with the shortest median waits for cardiology (the specialty covering echocardiogram) include Leeds (5 weeks), Sunderland (7 weeks), Liverpool (9 weeks), Newcastle upon Tyne (10 weeks), Reading (10 weeks). See the full city table below.

Is echocardiogram covered by private health insurance?

Most major UK health insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA) cover echocardiogram on standard policies, subject to underwriting and policy terms. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. Always confirm coverage with your insurer before scheduling.

Echocardiogram: NHS wait vs private cost

Ultrasound scan of the heart to assess structure and function. The current NHS median wait is approximately 13 weeks. Private treatment typically costs £250–£600.

NHS median wait (England)

13 weeks

Specialty: Cardiology

Long-tail wait (92nd percentile)

35 weeks

166,787 patients waiting

Private cost (typical)

£395

Range £250–£600

NHS wait by city — fastest first

City	Median wait	Compare locally
Leeds	5 weeks	See Leeds →
Sunderland	7 weeks	See Sunderland →
Liverpool	9 weeks	See Liverpool →
Newcastle upon Tyne	10 weeks	See Newcastle upon Tyne →
Reading	10 weeks	See Reading →
Nottingham	10 weeks	See Nottingham →
Bradford	10 weeks	See Bradford →
Stoke-on-Trent	11 weeks	See Stoke-on-Trent →
Portsmouth	12 weeks	See Portsmouth →
London	12 weeks	See London →
Oxford	12 weeks	See Oxford →
Coventry	12 weeks	See Coventry →
Middlesbrough	12 weeks	See Middlesbrough →
Bristol	13 weeks	See Bristol →
Sheffield	13 weeks	See Sheffield →
Brighton	13 weeks	See Brighton →
Milton Keynes	13 weeks	See Milton Keynes →
Derby	14 weeks	See Derby →
Southampton	14 weeks	See Southampton →
Exeter	14 weeks	See Exeter →
Plymouth	15 weeks	See Plymouth →
Birmingham	15 weeks	See Birmingham →
Manchester	16 weeks	See Manchester →
Norwich	16 weeks	See Norwich →
Blackpool	16 weeks	See Blackpool →
Leicester	16 weeks	See Leicester →
Preston	17 weeks	See Preston →
Hull	17 weeks	See Hull →
York	18 weeks	See York →
Cambridge	21 weeks	See Cambridge →

Looking for echocardiogram waits by postcode?

We also publish wait times by postcode area, mapped to the NHS trust most likely to accept your GP referral.

See echocardiogram by postcode area →

All English cities

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